VA Aid and Attendance Benefits
The Aid and Attendance benefit provides additional monthly pension payments to veterans and surviving spouses who need help with activities of daily living. Learn how these enhanced benefits can help pay for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home expenses.
What Is the Aid and Attendance Benefit?
Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an enhanced VA pension benefit that provides additional monthly payments to veterans and surviving spouses who need help with activities of daily living. This benefit is added to your basic VA pension amount, significantly increasing your monthly payment to help cover care costs.
The Aid and Attendance benefit recognizes that veterans requiring daily assistance face substantial care expenses. These additional payments help cover the costs of in-home caregivers, assisted living facilities, nursing home care, adult day care services, and family caregiver expenses.
Basic VA Pension (2025)
- Veteran without dependents:$1,329/month
- Veteran with one dependent:$1,740/month
With Aid and Attendance (2025)
- Veteran without dependents:$2,977/month
- Veteran with one dependent:$3,407/month
A&A adds $1,648-$1,667/month to basic pension
Who Qualifies for Aid and Attendance Benefits?
To receive Aid and Attendance benefits, you must first qualify for VA pension, then meet additional criteria showing you need regular assistance
Basic Pension Requirements First
Required for Veterans:
- Active duty during VA-recognized wartime period
- At least 90 days active service (or 24 months post-1980)
- Discharge under conditions other than dishonorable
- Age 65+ OR permanently and totally disabled
- Income below annual pension limits
- Net worth below VA threshold
Required for Surviving Spouses:
- Married to veteran who met service requirements
- Marriage lasted at least one year (or had children)
- Not remarried before age 57
- Income below annual limit
- Net worth below threshold
Important: If you already receive VA pension, you can add Aid and Attendance benefits. If you don't have pension yet, you'll apply for both together.
Care Requirements for Aid and Attendance
To qualify for Aid and Attendance, you must meet at least ONE of these criteria:
Daily Activity Assistance
Require regular help with bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, or protecting yourself from hazards
Bedridden
Your disability requires that you remain in bed most of the time due to medical conditions
Nursing Home Patient
Reside in a nursing home due to physical or mental incapacity (automatic qualification)
Vision Impairment
Eyesight corrected to 5/200 or less in both eyes, or concentric contraction to 5 degrees
Cognitive Impairment
Alzheimer's, dementia, or other conditions requiring supervision to prevent harm
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Explained
The VA evaluates your ability to independently perform these essential daily activities
Personal Hygiene
- Bathing: Getting in/out of tub or shower safely
- Grooming: Brushing teeth, combing hair, shaving
- Toileting: Using bathroom without assistance
Dressing
- Putting on and taking off clothing:
- Fastening buttons, zippers, or clasps:
- Putting on shoes and tying laces:
Eating
- Feeding yourself without help:
- Cutting food and using utensils:
- Drinking from a cup without spilling:
Mobility
- Moving around your home safely:
- Transferring from bed to chair:
- Getting up if you fall:
Continence
- Controlling bladder and bowel functions:
- Getting to bathroom in time:
- Managing incontinence supplies:
Safety Awareness
- Recognizing and avoiding dangers:
- Remembering to turn off stove:
- Not wandering or getting lost:
If You Need Help with Any of These on a Regular Basis
You may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits. "Regular assistance" means you need help on a daily or near-daily basis, not just occasionally.
Aid and Attendance vs. Housebound Benefits
Understanding the difference helps you claim the right benefit for your situation
| Feature | Aid and Attendance | Housebound |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Need daily assistance OR other A&A criteria | Confined to home due to disability |
| Monthly Addition (Veteran) | $1,648-$1,667 | $315-$358 |
| Monthly Addition (Spouse) | $708 | $166 |
| Typical Situations | Nursing home, in-home care, dementia, multiple ADL assistance | Rarely leave home, cannot drive independently, homebound but manage ADLs |
Apply for Aid and Attendance if:
- You need daily help with personal care
- You live in nursing home or assisted living
- You have dementia or cognitive impairment
- You are bedridden or nearly bedridden
- You have severe vision impairment
Apply for Housebound if:
- You rarely leave home due to disability
- You don't need daily personal care assistance
- You can manage ADLs independently
- You're confined to home but don't need A&A
Important: You cannot receive both Aid and Attendance AND Housebound benefits. The VA will pay the higher benefit for which you qualify, which is almost always Aid and Attendance.
2025 Aid and Attendance Benefit Rates
Complete payment schedule for Aid and Attendance enhanced pension
Pension with Aid and Attendance
| Beneficiary Category | Monthly Amount | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran without dependents | $2,977 | $35,724 |
| Veteran with one dependent | $3,407 | $40,881 |
| Veteran with two dependents | $3,637 | $43,644 |
| Two veterans married (both eligible) | $3,407 | $40,881 |
| Surviving spouse without dependents | $1,582 | $18,984 |
| Surviving spouse with one dependent | $1,812 | $21,744 |
Add $230/month ($2,766/year) for each additional dependent child
Pension with Housebound Benefit (For Comparison)
| Beneficiary Category | Monthly Amount | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran without dependents | $1,644 | $19,736 |
| Veteran with one dependent | $2,098 | $25,172 |
| Surviving spouse without dependents | $1,050 | $12,600 |
| Surviving spouse with one dependent | $1,276 | $15,312 |
Benefit Example: How A&A Increases Your Total Payment
Single veteran, age 72
Veteran with spouse, age 68
Surviving spouse, age 75
Types of Care Covered by Aid and Attendance
Aid and Attendance payments can be used for various care arrangements
In-Home Care Services
Professional care provided in your own home
- Licensed home health aides
- Certified nursing assistants
- Personal care attendants
- Bathing and hygiene assistance
- Meal preparation and feeding
- Medication management
- Safety supervision
Typical Costs: $20-$35/hour or $15,000-$60,000+/year
Assisted Living Facility
Residential community with 24-hour support
- Personal care assistance
- Meals and housekeeping
- Social activities and programs
- 24-hour staff availability
- Emergency response systems
- Medication management
Typical Costs: $3,000-$7,000+/month
Nursing Home Care
Skilled nursing facility with medical support
- 24-hour skilled nursing care
- Assistance with all ADLs
- Medical monitoring and treatment
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Meals and personal care
- Social and recreational activities
Typical Costs: $6,000-$12,000+/month
Family Caregiver Support
Help compensate family members providing care
- Pay family member for care
- Reimburse care-related expenses
- Allow reduced work hours
- Cover respite care costs
- Document care provided
Typical Costs: Varies by arrangement
Important: How You Use A&A Benefits
The VA Does NOT Restrict:
- • How you use A&A payments
- • Which care providers you choose
- • Where you receive care
- • Family member caregivers
You Must:
- • Actually need and receive care
- • Report income accurately each year
- • Report changes in care situation
- • Keep records for your own protection
How to Apply for Aid and Attendance Benefits
Applying for Aid and Attendance is part of your VA pension application or can be added to existing pension
For New Pension Applicants
If you're applying for pension and need Aid and Attendance:
- 1Complete VA Form 21P-527EZ (Application for Veterans Pension)
- 2Check the box indicating you want Aid and Attendance
- 3Complete VA Form 21-2680 (have your doctor fill this out)
- 4Gather medical records showing your need for assistance
- 5Include caregiver statements or facility records
For Current Pension Recipients
If you already receive VA pension and now need Aid and Attendance:
- 1Contact the VA to request Aid and Attendance addition
- 2Submit VA Form 21-2680 and supporting medical records
- 3Provide caregiver statements or facility documentation
- 4VA will review and adjust your benefit if approved
No need to reapply for pension - just request the A&A enhancement. Call 1-800-827-1000 or submit online through your VA.gov account.
Required Medical Evidence for Aid and Attendance
Medical Documentation:
- • VA Form 21-2680 completed by physician
- • Medical records showing conditions
- • Recent examination notes
- • Diagnostic test results
- • Treatment history
Care Documentation:
- • Nursing home admission records
- • Assisted living care plan
- • In-home care service agreements
- • Family caregiver statements
- • Care cost receipts and billing
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Aid and Attendance pay?
Aid and Attendance adds approximately $1,648-$1,667 per month for veterans and $708 per month for surviving spouses to your basic pension. Total A&A pension ranges from $1,582 to $3,407 per month depending on your situation.
Can I pay a family member to care for me with A&A benefits?
Yes. While the VA doesn't pay family members directly, you can use your A&A benefit payments to compensate family members who provide your care. Keep records of care provided and payments made.
Do I have to live in a nursing home to get Aid and Attendance?
No. You can receive A&A while living at home (with in-home care), in assisted living, or in a nursing home. Any of these situations may qualify if you need regular assistance with daily activities.
How long does it take to get approved for Aid and Attendance?
A&A claims typically take 3-6 months to process, similar to regular pension claims. Claims with complete medical evidence and documentation may process faster.
Does Aid and Attendance cover memory care for dementia?
Yes. Cognitive impairment from Alzheimer's, dementia, or other conditions that requires supervision qualifies you for A&A. A&A benefits can help pay for memory care units, in-home dementia care, or other necessary supervision.
What's the difference between Aid and Attendance and Special Monthly Compensation?
Aid and Attendance (pension) is for veterans with financial need who require care. Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is for veterans with service-connected disabilities who need A&A. SMC is generally higher but requires service connection.
Get Help Applying for Aid and Attendance
Our experienced team specializes in helping veterans access Aid and Attendance benefits
Free Resources:
- • American Legion: 1-800-433-3318
- • VFW: 1-800-839-1899
- • DAV: 1-877-426-2838
- • State Veterans Services
VA Benefits Hotline
1-800-827-1000
Monday-Friday
8 AM - 9 PM ET
Online Support:
- • VA.gov/pension
- • Find VA Regional Office
- • Track claim status online
- • Submit via AskVA
Explore More VA Pension Information
Learn about pension eligibility requirements and the application process